Pentecost is an ancient Jewish holy day when the custom was for Jews from far and wide to travel to Jerusalem to celebrate together.

On the first Pentecost following the death and resurrection of Jesus, His disciples were gathered together in Jerusalem, praying and remembering all He had told them. When the promised Holy Spirit fell upon them, they began to share their stories with all the people. No matter what language they spoke, everyone understood the disciples’ message. Over three thousand people became believers that day.

Christians today consider Pentecost to be the birthday of the Church. Our mission from that day to this is to share that same message throughout the world.

” ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19-20 English Standard Version (ESV)

In order to be faithful to our great commission, it is still necessary to speak in words our hearers will understand. While the Holy Spirit helps us, we aren’t given miraculous languages that are automatically understood by everyone in every culture.

Today, we must listen carefully to learn the words that will touch those to whom we speak.

Truly Pentecostal people exist in every denomination, from traditional to fundamentalist. They are the ones who take the time to see and hear those in need of the Savior and speak to them in words and actions they can understand.